SA-Cuba medical doctor programme to increase output

SA-Cuba medical doctor programme to increase output
Saturday 13 September 2014 20:36
Kabelo Molope

The South African Cuba programme which trains South Africans as doctors
in Cuba, will expand nearly tenfold over the next five years.

The programme aims to avert the critical shortage of doctors, especially
in rural areas.

The next group of students to head to the Caribbean island country will
be a group from the North West.

Cuba has 25 medical schools which produce 11 000 doctors annually.

South African graduates are posted to under-resourced medical facilities.

Former Cuban medical student, Dr. Tshepo Lekone says, "I've experienced
that more doctors are needed since I'm working in a level 2 hospital in
Mahikeng. The Cuban program has produced a lot of doctors that are
currently working with me here."

Students are recruited from disadvantaged communities.

North West Health MEC, Dr. Magome Masike says, "Most of them come from
rural areas where it is difficult to attract doctors, especially young
ones. Most of the students, who are going to Cuba, come from those
areas. They understand that it is their uncles, their mothers; it is
their relatives that need them most."

The partnership was initiated by former President Nelson Mandela and
former Cuban president Fidel Castro.

Source: SA-Cuba medical doctor programme to increase output : Saturday
13 September 2014 -
http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/23b072804575e1d6aa1cafc7c599c9eb/SA-Cuba-medical-doctor-programme-to-increase-output-